b_edg
New User
Hi everyone,
I’m really hoping for a bit of advice (and kindness!) because I’m struggling with what to do next — and fair warning, this might turn into a bit of an essay…
I bought my horse in June 2023 — he’s a 6-year-old, 17hh warmblood and honestly, he ticked every box for me (even if he is a bit on the large side!). When I got him, his previous owner had let his feet get really overgrown — which I later found out was to hide the fact he has a club foot. He still passed a 5-stage vetting, came home, and was honestly a dream. Super chilled, very “riding school pony” type in attitude, just in a big warmblood body — perfect!
Fast forward a bit and things went downhill. He suddenly changed in behaviour, so we scoped for ulcers and found grade 3/4. He had the full treatment (about £5k’s worth) but didn’t improve. More investigations showed that he’d actually tweaked both proximal suspensories, which was likely causing the ulcers due to the pain.
Since his rehab, he’s just not been the same horse. He’s developed every stable vice going — crib biting, weaving, chewing fences, and door kicking (especially at feed time). He’s shod in front with equipak to help with the club foot (he’s had vet work for this too), but still manages to pull his shoes off every other week.
He’s also quite prone to a sore back, which we’ve had injected (and physio said that’s helped loads). The plan now is to get a new saddle fitted and hopefully start riding again. But the big issue is — his temperament has completely changed. He’s gone from a laid-back lad to a really hot, stressy horse.
He used to be fine turned out alone, but now he panics without others nearby. For example, this morning I turned him out (waiting for the farrier to replace a shoe), other horses were out too, but for some reason he lost the plot — galloped around and actually ran through the fence.
The yard I’m at have been amazing — they’ve changed his routine, adjusted feed and turnout times, padded his door, fixed fences… honestly they couldn’t be more accommodating.
So I’m now at a crossroads. I’ve had horses all my life, and I can’t shake the feeling that he’s just not happy. I’ve spent over £15k on vet bills, rehab, and everything in between, but it’s starting to feel like a losing battle. His wellbeing will always come first, but I’m wondering if the “typical ridden horse life” just isn’t for him.
I’ve thought about loaning him out as a companion, but I know most people looking for companions want little ponies — not a 17hh warmblood! He loves other horses and part of me thinks he’d be better living out 24/7 with other horses, maybe in a herd or with youngstock to play with. The other option is to retire him completely and find a good retirement livery.
Has anyone been through something similar? How did you handle it? And what are people paying for retirement livery these days?
Sorry for the ramble — I would really appreciate any thoughts or experiences.
I’m really hoping for a bit of advice (and kindness!) because I’m struggling with what to do next — and fair warning, this might turn into a bit of an essay…
I bought my horse in June 2023 — he’s a 6-year-old, 17hh warmblood and honestly, he ticked every box for me (even if he is a bit on the large side!). When I got him, his previous owner had let his feet get really overgrown — which I later found out was to hide the fact he has a club foot. He still passed a 5-stage vetting, came home, and was honestly a dream. Super chilled, very “riding school pony” type in attitude, just in a big warmblood body — perfect!
Fast forward a bit and things went downhill. He suddenly changed in behaviour, so we scoped for ulcers and found grade 3/4. He had the full treatment (about £5k’s worth) but didn’t improve. More investigations showed that he’d actually tweaked both proximal suspensories, which was likely causing the ulcers due to the pain.
Since his rehab, he’s just not been the same horse. He’s developed every stable vice going — crib biting, weaving, chewing fences, and door kicking (especially at feed time). He’s shod in front with equipak to help with the club foot (he’s had vet work for this too), but still manages to pull his shoes off every other week.
He’s also quite prone to a sore back, which we’ve had injected (and physio said that’s helped loads). The plan now is to get a new saddle fitted and hopefully start riding again. But the big issue is — his temperament has completely changed. He’s gone from a laid-back lad to a really hot, stressy horse.
He used to be fine turned out alone, but now he panics without others nearby. For example, this morning I turned him out (waiting for the farrier to replace a shoe), other horses were out too, but for some reason he lost the plot — galloped around and actually ran through the fence.
The yard I’m at have been amazing — they’ve changed his routine, adjusted feed and turnout times, padded his door, fixed fences… honestly they couldn’t be more accommodating.
So I’m now at a crossroads. I’ve had horses all my life, and I can’t shake the feeling that he’s just not happy. I’ve spent over £15k on vet bills, rehab, and everything in between, but it’s starting to feel like a losing battle. His wellbeing will always come first, but I’m wondering if the “typical ridden horse life” just isn’t for him.
I’ve thought about loaning him out as a companion, but I know most people looking for companions want little ponies — not a 17hh warmblood! He loves other horses and part of me thinks he’d be better living out 24/7 with other horses, maybe in a herd or with youngstock to play with. The other option is to retire him completely and find a good retirement livery.
Has anyone been through something similar? How did you handle it? And what are people paying for retirement livery these days?
Sorry for the ramble — I would really appreciate any thoughts or experiences.
